Mount Vernon School District to start classes Tuesday

MOUNT VERNON, Wash. - Students in the Mount Vernon School District will return to classrooms on Tuesday, September 3, after their first day was canceled.

Dr. Victor Vergara, the Mount Vernon School District superintendent, said that the district's administrative team and the union representing paraeducators, PSE 1 Union Group, could not come to an agreement before the first day.

The union told the district on Aug. 22 that they would strike if an agreement was not reached by Aug. 28, which was scheduled to be the first day of school.

"As a result, the district has made the difficult decision to cancel the first day of school," said Verggara. "We understand the significant impact this has on Mount Vernon families, and we wanted to inform you as early as possible so that you can make any necessary arrangements."

On Thursday, PSE 1 Union Group successfully reached an agreement with the school district, and classes will now officially start on September 3.

Tuesday was picked as the first day to "allow everyone the preparation time needed and allow for the foundation of a great start to the school year."

The school district is still determining how students will make up for the three missed days. Middle school sports will begin on Tuesday, and high school sports will continue as planned.